Community radio moves from campus to shoping mall

Campus Bay FM started operating as the only youth and student community radio station of Port Elizabeth in 1995 after SABC deregulated the air waves, ending their monopoly. After receiving a four year license Campus Bay FM, as it was known then, started broadcasting on the 1st of August 1995, and a new era in broadcasting began in Port Elizabeth.

In 1997 Campus Bay FM formed a section 21 company, and shortened its name to CBFM. Over the years, CBFM audience has grown from strength to strength, catering for the entire community. CBFM is the only radio station in the Eastern Cape to use dual programming, providing a music base both for an urban black and white market. A decision was made in the middle of last year to realign the station. It was decided to move from campus to the Bridge Shopping Centre.Construction on the new studios commenced early this year with broadcast equipment involving an investment of some R300 000. According to station manager Rodney Kowalski, the move forms part of a broader strategy to position CBFM as the Nelson Mandela Metropole's only youth voice in community radio broadcast.

Explaining the reasons for the move, he said historically CBFM has been attached to UPE and this gave the impression that CBFM was part of the University.

Motivating the move, Rodney K explained that one of CBFM's requirements, as a community radio station, "is that we are accessible to the community". The move to the Bridge will make the station more accessible to the public. Another important factor to be taken into account is that the station visibility will increase and people's awareness of CBFM will be heightened".

CBFM prides itself with its cultural diversity and can boast being truly representative of the community. Rodney Kowalski concluded that he hopes that the move to the Bridge will install the community pride it truly deserves, for after all, CBFM is here for the community. Due to technical maintenance for the move CBFM will switch off it's transmitter from 00h00 on the 3rd April and switch it back on at 06h00 on the 5th April under a brand new name of Bay FM.

As Rodney Kowalski explains, the new name keeps some of the old, but clearly illustrates that the station has moved away from its past and is looking forward to the future. Another exciting development connected with the move, is that South Africa's leading cellular network, Vodacom have pledged their support. "As a community radio station we need to find support from within the community, and we are very proud to be associated with a national company of such stature," station manager Rodney Kowalski comments.

Louie Burger, senior regional executive head off Vodacom Eastern Cape, views their involvement with the new Bay FM as an exciting venture. "We would like to congratulate Bay FM on their re-launch and wish them the very best for the future. Vodacom is proud to support broadcasting at grass roots level." In addition to Vodacom, Spec Savers have also come on board for a three month period. Wendy Beaufort, marketing manager for Spec Savers sees their involvement as the perfect opportunity to reach the younger market. "The new Bay FM will quite clearly make an impression within the Metropole".Mustek Electronics, Eastern Cape Division, have provided a platform for Bay FM's IT needs. The new studios will be equipped with Mecer computers. With very competitive advertising rates, Bay FM will offer an alternative and diverse audience for commerce to promote their products and services. The spending power that the youth and young adults have can no longer be ignored.

From Campus Bay FM, to CBFM to Bay FM. The evolution in community broadcasting has only now begun.